Circus Varianus

The Circus Varianus was an ancient circus and part of the Sessorium palace complex in Rome .

The approximately 565 m long and 125 m wide circus was built in the early 3rd century along the Via Labicana and named after Emperor Elagabal (Varius Avitus Bassianus). In the preserved ancient sources it is only mentioned by the Historia Augusta . When the Aurelian Wall was built, a large part of the complex (approx. 80%) was outside the city walls. The Aurelian Wall was simply built right through the middle of the spectator stands parallel to one of the fronts of the circus. The Obelisco Pinciano or Antinous Obelisk, which previously belonged to the tomb of Antinous , the beloved Emperor Hadrian, was erected on the spina of the Circus .

literature

• Filippo Coarelli : Rome. An archaeological guide . Zabern, Mainz 2000, ISBN 3-8053-2685-8 , p. 212.
• Oscar W. Reinmuth: Circus. In: The Little Pauly (KlP). Volume 1, Stuttgart 1964, column 1196.

Web links

• Pictures with the original location of the Circus in the present city (English)

Remarks

1. ↑ Historia Augusta , Vita Elagabal 14, 5 .

Coordinates: 41 ° 53 ′ 16 ″  N , 12 ° 31 ′ 10 ″  E